Malene Grotrian never disappoints. Elegant, timeless and sophisticated are just a few words that describe her designs.The Danish-born designer launched her first Spring/Summer 09 runway collection in Vancouver, and since then has scaled the top of the fashion industry.

She debuted her Fall/Holiday 2010 collection at the sold out Ice Water Fashion Show on April 29.

The venue was located in the city’s grungiest block, Main and Hastings, but the juxtaposition of colliding two worlds was art in itself.

Upon entering the wooden double doors, guests were greeted by a red carpet affair, and an enchanted ‘winter-wonderland’ feeling.

“The theme is the Ice Water fashion show, and we wanted to bring that out into the entrance,” explained Corinne Kessel, one of the decor designers from Greenscape Silk Design.

Silver frosted trees lined the entrance into the lounge area, and a theatre hosted the audience and runway. VIP Fashionistas were granted first-class seating in red leather chairs that parted the catwalk, as the rest stood back behind a velvet rope, very Hollywood.

From the decor, to the special performances and straight onto the runway, the ice water theme was intertwined with the classic 1940’s silhouette which was the inspiration for the Fall/Holiday collection.

The show began with a serenade by Stephanie Swinnard, and the audience was in for a treat as a model flaunted a chocolate concoction, made party dress designed by Cocoa Nymph. From a far it looked like a sweet heart mini-dress but as she got closer the irresistible cocoa aroma filled the audience, and yes – it was edible.

After the delectable surprise, Grotrian’s trademark violinist, Rosemary Siemen graced the stage to accompany the models with her classic yet upbeat tunes which could also be seen as a mirror of Grotrian’s designs.

“I see that my collection is timeless and sophisticated but it does have a young a little more hip side,” said Grotrian.

Long skirts with high waists paired with her signature bustier are a classic motif for the upcoming season, and have always been Grotrian’s recipe to create the hour-glass figure.

It’s the little detailing that really tied together the outfits. The strapless bustier had a v-neck that was connected at the top, resembling an upside down triangle. Pleating on the bust area of dresses and ruffled collars were also popular.

The simplicity of the cuts drew attention from the density and richness of the fabrics, like taffeta, which created a “sharp and crystallized texture,” inspired by the ice water theme. And the use of solid colours like red and mustard yellow paired with dark grays and black evened out the tones.

Neutrals are a must for fall and Grotrian executed that nicely with a-line skirts and deep v-neck silk blouses in dark chestnut colours that effortlessly draped the body. As part of the holiday collection, a black sleek zip-up trench coat put a twist to the covetable winter jacket.

Grotrian popularized the floral print last year but this year polka dots and sheer snakeskin textures adorned the catwalk. Faded black polka dots on gray were fun and stylish that Grotrian herself featured it for the night.

The show ended with a round of applause for her haute-couture black mermaid design that she described as “extremely rare and non traditional” because it was actually a bustier paired with a form fitting skirt layered with tulle at the bottom for extra volume.

The thing about Grotrian is that whatever she showcases is not limited to the catwalk, but completely accessible for the everyday woman.

“It’s so versatile,” Grotrian said of her designs. “Look for separates [a bustier and a skirt] and create dress looks, you can be creative with you looks, and keep evolving and building pieces that you already have.”

The overflowing remarks Grotrian received after the show consisted of three words: beautiful, amazing and different. – Kyla Corpuz